Whether it’s quantum computers that can accelerate drug discovery or networks designed to withstand future cyberattacks — a new generation of Indian startups are pursuing such opportunities at the cutting edge of information technology. Quantum technology uses quantum mechanics to process information, achieve ultra high-precision measurements, and create secure communication channels. Investors have been keenly tracking the scent. According to market intelligence platform Tracxn, India’s quantum technology sector has raised $95.9 million funding between 2019 and 2026. Investment peaked in 2025 at $66.4 million across 13 rounds. So far in 2026, the sector has raised $107,000 across two funding rounds. On April 14 this year, Qbit Force — a company based in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh — launched a quantum computer made in India. CEO L Venkata Subramaniam explains how quantum computers can simulate molecules and their behaviour, enabling researchers to model potential drugs ahead of extensive laboratory and animal testing, which currently takes five to 15 years. Exponentially faster that classical computers, it can accelerate the discovery of newer medicines, fertilizers, plastics, and battery material. Similarly, it can solve mathematical problems way faster, potentially boosting AI efficiency and improving applications such as weather forecasting, fluid dynamics, and the modelling of floods, avalanches and cyclones. Of the two quantum computers Qbit built, SRM University bought one and a startup, Qubitech, bought the other. Secunderabad-based Qclairvoyance Quantum Labs offers quantum cybersecurity services for corporate IT infrastructure, particularly in the BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) sector. Its education platform helps establish quantum programming labs in colleges and universities. Its third vertical is drug discovery, says Sai Shankar, founder and Director. Bengaluru-based startup QpiAI’s 8- and 25-qubit systems, too, are directed at consumers in the research and education segments (a qubit is the basic unit of information in quantum computing). It offers a